6:00 PM – Executive Session
Councilor Grover moved; Councilor Sturgis seconded
Ordered, pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. Sec. 405(6)(C), that the Town Council recess into executive session with the Town Manager, the Town Attorney, the Economic Development Consultant and representatives of the Gray-New Gloucester Development Corporation and the Community Economic Development Committee to discuss a proposed economic development matter where disclosure of information would prejudice the competitive or bargaining position of the Town.
5 Yes
The Council exited executive session at 7:35pm
Councilor Gellerson stated that they had an extensive discussion on negotiations on an economic development matter.
Roll Call:
Councilors Matt Sturgis, Mark Grover, Peter Gellerson, Matt Doughty, Margaret Hutchins
Town Manager Deborah Cabana
Others present and speaking: Gary Foster, Fran Monroe, Sen. Dick Woodbury
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag:
Minutes from Previous Meetings:
Approval of January 25, 2011, Town Council Minutes
Councilor Sturgis moved; Councilor Hutchins seconded
Ordered the Gray Town Council approves January 25, 2011 Town Council Minutes, as corrected.
5 Yes
Councilor Doughty commented on page 7, 7th order section should read ...35 plants for five patients and not six patients.
Councilor Gellerson stated that on page 1, the ice fishing derby was on Saturday and not Sunday
First Order of Business:
Public Comments of Non-Agenda Items – (limit 3 minutes per person)
State Senator Dick Woodbury introduced himself.
He can be reached via mail: dick.woodbury@mainelegislature.gov or telephone 847-9300. He will be holding Community conversations each Monday at 7pm on a rotating town basis within the district.
The budget issues will be the main focus of this legislative session. He indicated that what makes this year’s more difficult is that the Federal funding will not be there. This will impact educational funding etc. There have also been discussions regulatory reforms and this area, he is very interested in.
Fran Monroe asked who was the economic development consultant mentioned in the executive session order. Councilor Gellerson stated that this is George Thebarge.
She asked who makes up the GNG Development Corp.
She commented on lack of economic development in the community as there are many store fronts. She commented on TIFFs and that there is no follow-up by the state or others to see about the job creation element to these TIFFs. She would like to see area legislators on this issue. She doesn’t believe that there is much enforcement on the job creation aspect of this and that all compliance is up to date.
She also commented on the Clark Block issue and that as mentioned at the last Council meeting that Dunkin’ Donuts is not on board to make this project continue further. She urges the Council to look into this further and that they check in with economic development consultant.
She commented on the Village project discussed at the last Council meeting and that her expectations is the Town does not give any of the properties away without having someone pay for them.
Second Order of Business:
Reports from the Council Chair: None
Reports from the Town Manager:
Town Manager Cabana stated that the Town Office, Library, Transfer station will be closed Wednesday (tomorrow) due to the anticipated storm.
She presented budget highlights.
The budget is $616,000 less than last year, but revenues are down. As a result it could increase the mil rate 6 cents. There has been some shifting on CIP accounts as recommended by the auditor. There is a 15 year plan for putting funds in the CIP for future projects. She also broke down staff benefits such as insurance etc. It is now a single line item. The savings with the wellness aspect to the insurance should be able to be carried over which should help offset rate increases.
The first budget meeting is next Monday (Feb. 7th) at 7pm. The meetings will be on the 7th, 14th, and 28th and are open to the public.
Committee Reports:
Gary Foster representative of ecomaine updated the group on the lease payoff of the single sort equipment. This has been paid off early which is a savings of $400,000 in interest. They are still looking for nominations for the eco-excellence award which are due Feb. 18th. The Board adopted the by-laws amendments. Ecomaine has applied for a grant to study food waste composting. The foundation would contribute 98% of the cost and the remaining being contributed in labor by ecomaine. He also discussed electrical generation and rates. He also commented on the solid waste bill in the Legislature and that the potential impact to ecomaine as they occasionally get supply from the spot market which is sometimes from out of state.
Councilor Gellerson asked if waste by private haulers is included in the total count for the community. Gary Foster said yes, but it’s not an accurate system.
Councilor Sturgis asked about the solid waste bill viability for passage in the Legislature. Gary Foster stated that, as he reads it, he doesn’t support it as the outcome can impact ecomaine’s revenue.
Councilor Sturgis stated that the ice fishing derby Saturday was a huge success. It put the Town in a positive light and there was great support by the sponsors, inland fisheries etc. He estimates that were 5,000 people there. He also cited some community members for their efforts and mentioned some of the various activities that took place. He also commended Public Safety for all of their work.
Councilor Doughty stated that the Street Ordinance Review Committee will be meeting this Thursday.
Council Correspondence: NONE
Third Order of Business:
Presentation: NONE
Public Hearing: NONE
Fourth Order of Business: ORDERS
Item #071-11 To review and act upon amending Section 602.01 of the Gray Town Council Rules.
This action requires a 4/5’s vote after an opportunity for public comment.
Councilor Grover moved; Councilor Doughty seconded
Ordered the Gray Town Council amends Section 602.01 of the Gray Town Council Rules, by adding the following sentence: "In case of inclement weather or other public hazard, the Chair may decide, on the day of any regular Council meeting, to postpone that meeting seven days hence at the same time and place."
Fran Monroe stated that in amending this item there should be consideration on how this information is disseminated to the public. This should be included in the amendment.
Councilor Sturgis agreed and also asked that the word “hence” be changed to “later”
Town Manager Cabana stated that access to email and the website can be done remotely even in the event that no one is in Town Hall.
Councilor Hutchins stated that she is fine with the wording as is.
Councilor Grover offered an amendment adding the phrase “and with notification to the public by the most expedient means.”
Councilor Grover moved; Councilor Sturgis seconded
Motion to amend Item #071-11 to change the word “hence” to “later” add the phrase at the end “and with notification to the public by the most expedient means.”
5 Yes (on amendment)
5 Yes on the motion as amended
Item #072-11 To review and act upon an application by Maine Junior Volleyball to rent the Newbegin Gymnasium on a regularly occurring basis.
Councilor Sturgis moved; Councilor Doughty seconded
Ordered the Gray Town Council approves the application by Maine Junior Volleyball to rent the Newbegin Gymnasium on a regularly occurring basis.
Councilor Grover asked why this requires Council action.
Councilor Sturgis stated that the new recreation policy incorporates such an action as there is a greater intensity of use.
Councilor Grover asked if there are any scheduling conflicts and for the dates submitted. Councilor Sturgis said that there are no conflicts and for the submitted dates.
Town Manager Cabana stated that they will be using the facility regularly and not part of the Gray Recreation Program. Given that this is a greater usage increase by an outside group it is prudent that the Council be aware of it.
There was also a discussion on dates beyond February.
Councilor Grover offered an amendment to add “for the month ending February 2011”
Councilor Grover moved; Councilor Sturgis seconded
Motion to amend Item #072-11 to add at the end “for the month ending February, 2011”
5 Yes (on amendment)
5 Yes on the motion as amended
Item #073-11 To accept the Monument Square Study Report and authorize the C.E.D.C to conduct a citizen survey.
Councilor Hutchins moved; Councilor Sturgis seconded
Ordered the Gray Town Council accepts the Monument Square Study Report and authorizes the CEDC to conduct a citizen survey.
Councilor Grover commented that one of the plans includes the expectations on developing 10 Shaker Rd. Town Manager Cabana stated that George Thebarge did speak to the owners about this concept idea.
He also asked about the question on TIFFs and the tax rate increase impact. He stated that the tax rate aspect of the question could be misleading and suggests a different phrasing.
Councilor Gellerson stated that he would relay Councilor Grover’s concerns to the CEDC for them to review the questions.
5 Yes
Fifth Order of Business: ORDINANCES:
Sixth Order of Business:
Council Action Items, Assignments and Issues Status:
Request that Maine DOT review signage in Gray center and nearby state roads.
- Consider and discuss a proposed Mass Gathering Ordinance, eventually moving it to a Public Hearing.
- Complete all revisions to the Street Construction Ordinance (§ 400).
- Amend or replace the Sign Ordinance (§ 406).
- Review the town TIF Policy. (CEDC to amend and not rewrite)
Establish a Gray Hall of Fame award and a process to identify initial, historical recipients.Begin organizing a Comprehensive Planning Committee.
Councilor Hutchins stated that the Mass Gathering Ordinance proposal has had some rewording.
Councilor Doughty stated that Street Construction Ordinance work could be completed in March.
Councilor Sturgis asked about the sign ordinance status and relayed that a sign in town was knocked down during a snow storm.
Seventh Order of Business:
Council Business:
Councilor Grover suggested that since the medical marijuana item is on the Feb. 15th agenda that the
code enforcement officer be present to answer any questions.
Eighth Order of Business:
Additions to the Agenda:
Ninth Order of Business: Adjournment
Councilor Grover moved; Councilor Sturgis seconded
Motion to adjourn
5 Yes
The meeting ended at 8:38pm
Minutes approved and accepted February 15, 2011 by its Town Council:
_____________________________ ___________________________
Peter Gellerson, Council Chair Margaret Hutchins, Vice Chair
______________________________ ___________________________
Mark D. Grover Matthew Sturgis
_____________________________
Matthew Doughty
* The Town of Gray is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable equal access to public accommodations law. If you are planning to attend a Town Council or Town committee or board meeting and need assistance with a physical disability, please contact the Town Manager’s office at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting to have the Town assist you. 657-3339. TTY 657-3931.
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